Page:Way to wealth, or, Poor Richard's maxims improved, &c..pdf/21

Rh spot, which serves as a beacon to the mariner, there is one of those magnificent prospects which are so attractive to the reflecting mind. Here, during an occasional visit to thothe [sic] coast have I often been riveted for hours, delighted to sit and watch the receding vessel diminishing to a speck, and follow the crew, in imagination, through their perilous course over the trackless ocean.

Some few years back, I one day encountered thothe [sic] proprietor of the ancient windmill. He was a very young man, full of health and animation. That dispenser of every blessing, Content, sat upon his brow, His occupation afforded him an honest maintenance;— and as his wishes were limited his fears were few. He was besides just married. Earth has no greater happiness to bestow than the early days of domestic intercourse; when a young pair have realized their fondest anticipations— when, undisturbed by the growing cares of the world, their most anxious wishes are to appear pleasing in each other’s eyes— when their lives show like a beauteous morning of spring, which is to lead them to a genial summer, and a rich autumn. The winter of their years is then too far removed to be regarded with apprehension.

The young miller invited mome [sic] to his cottage;— I loved the sight of human happiness too much to decline his civility. I found there a modest and agreeable woman, devoted to the duty of promoting the welfare and comfort of the man to whom she had given her heart. I lifted up my thoughts to heaven in thankfulness for the blessings which God bestows upon his creatures;—and I prayed that a day of sorrow might not come across the simple and innocent course of this happy couple.

In two years I again visited this part of the